John and Laurie Stirratt (photo: Zoran Orlic)

For reference, Laurie owns Broadmoor Records, which has a number of projects containing at least one Stirratt, including The Autumn Defense.

Nick D. Meiers: Hey there, you around?

Laurie Stirratt: I'm here.

NDM: Cool. So, have you seen any good movies lately?

LS: Well, not lately. I usually keep up with the latest releases but I've been so busy with the record label and moving that I haven't had much time lately. Also, my DVD player died so I haven't been renting either. I'm supposed to get a new one for my birthday.

NDM: You just moved, right? What Chicago neighborhood are you in these days?

LS: I'm in Humboldt Park now, which I like a lot.

NDM: I was wondering if that Humboldt Blvd. address (for her label, Broadmoor Records) was the one. I lived across the way at 1836 for two years. Do you have a dog? If so, that boulevard is great.

LS: Yes, it's the Humboldt Blvd address. I don't have a dog but my brother and I want to get one soon. I love the boulevard... it's really beautiful. It's the only place I've lived in Chicago where I don't feel crowded.

NDM: Who are you listening to lately? Anyone the world doesn't yet know about but should?

LS: I've been listening to Devendra Banhart's records, a lot of old obscure New Orleans soul, Dwight Twilley's old stuff, Skip James... more old stuff, lately.

NDM: How are you holding up since the election?

LS: Okay, I guess. That was a heartbreaker. I really thought Kerry might actually win. It was really tough for me to see the entire south "go red", especially since it wasn't so long ago that the majority of the deep southern states were Democrats -- "yellow dog Democrats". Moderates. I think they've been won over by the right wing pandering to their religious beliefs. I'm from Louisiana and know a lot of people from there who are upset about Bush's victory.

NDM: Yes, I too was actually under the delusion that Kerry was going to win. My friend Kris has a theory that now aggressive music will get popular in Chicago again, like in the late '80s when Bush Sr. won. Any predictions on that or on the next four years in general?

LS: Ugh, the next four years with W... I'm just hoping that things don't get much worse. Realistically, I know that they will. To be honest, I can't even think about it much. It's too depressing.

NDM: John must be really busy with Wilco. How hard is it to get your schedules in line for playing shows etc.?

LS: Yes, he's super busy. It has been very hard to book shows around his schedule. Our record release show at Schuba's on November 24th with The Autumn Defense was one of two shows we've been able to squeeze in since the record came out. We'll do more early next year.

NDM: How's your Broadmoor Records label doing? Are you doing it full time or do you have a job to support it at this point?

LS: The label is going well. After being on labels and self releasing records over the years, I decided this was the best option for us. I like the work and it's nice to know what's going on at all times with our record. I'm running things on a day to day basis and I'm also a bartender at The Hideout a few nights a week. I occasionally work carpentry with a friend who hires me when he needs extra help. I'm just learning...

NDM: Last question, are there any Chicago events that you're looking forward to this winter?

LS: I'm just looking forward to seeing as much music as possible. Also, writing and recording more this winter. Winter in Chicago is great for holing up and working when it gets too cold to get out. Also, I'm playing bass with Danny Black and I'm looking forward to playing out more with him.

For more information on Arabella and the Stirratts in general, visit Broadmoor Records or TheStirratts.com.

-- Nick D. Meiers